“Delayed Sitting, Heated Exchanges, and Tough Decisions” — Inside Yesterday’s Parliamentary Session

 by Adams-Charles Gift & Fawole Folawe

The 3rd Parliamentary Sitting was held on January 16, 2026, at the Admin Extension. The meeting was scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM but eventually commenced at 1:22 PM, raising concerns among members. At about 1:00 PM, Napasite Adebayo raised a question regarding the delay. In response, the Speaker explained that many members of the Executive Council were not yet present. Napasite Segun also expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation. Shortly afterward, the Speaker instructed members to move to Napasite Parlour for a brief discussion, attributing the delay to the unavailability of the venue. As of 1:18 PM, the President, Deputy Speaker, and Clerk were still not present.

The sitting officially began at 1:22 PM. The speaker apologized for the delay, citing venue challenges as the reason. The opening prayer was led by the General Secretary, Shukroh, followed by the school anthem. A roll call was taken, listing members from the Gallerians to the Speaker. The clerk then read the minutes of the previous sitting. Honorable Chioma observed that the minutes did not clearly distinguish between resolutions and records. The speaker stated that the minutes had been shared on the group platform. Napasite Segun moved the motion for the adoption of the minute, which was seconded by the Deputy Speaker.

Dress Code and Inauguration Dispute

Napasite Segun raised concerns about the improper dressing of some executives and honourables, stating that it was against constitutional provisions. The speaker explained that many of those improperly dressed were Part 1 students who had not yet been inducted. Napasite Israel Taiwo argued that elected but not yet inaugurated honourables should not be seated among those already inaugurated. The Speaker responded that he would run the House as he deemed fit. Tensions rose when Napasite Segun accused the Speaker of abusing his power. Honourable Chioma suggested that newly elected honourables should sit at the back until they were inaugurated.

Eventually, the Speaker announced that the elected honourables would have to apologize to the Gallerians for their improper dressing before being inaugurated. They complied and were subsequently inaugurated.

                                                              Inducted honourables 

 Business of the Day

The major business of the day centered on budget presentations from several executive officers. The General Secretary’s budget sparked debate over cost estimates and accountability, while the Vice President’s proposal was queried for discrepancies and excess provisions. The House approved revised allocations after deliberations. 

Vice President’s Budget

The vice president presented her budget proposal. Honourable Chioma pointed out discrepancies, such as provisions for 20 members instead of 15, and increases made without prior notification. Napasite Segun questioned the need for excessive markers. The vice president explained that the markers were meant for two semesters, clarifying that they had previously borrowed markers from the faculty.  The Chief Justice, Salako Joel, called for order, emphasizing respect for the Speaker. Napasite Segun countered that the Chief Justice was late and had no standing to complain. Maintaining order was the responsibility of the Chief Whip, not the Chief Justice.

Director of Sport 

The Director of Sports’ budget sparked debate over a proposed marathon. The pitch booking fee was corrected from ₦7,500 to ₦8,000, while the initial ₦20,000 prize proposal was reduced. The House eventually approved ₦15,000 as prize money (₦5,000 for each of three winners) alongside basic medical supplies, including bandages, spirit, and cotton wool.

Director of Social

The Director of Socials was disciplined for improper dressing and was fined ₦3,000, in addition to being required to submit a formal apology to the House. His budget proposals were subsequently examined, during which the mountaineering budget was scrapped due to financial constraints. He also informed the House of his proposal to merge two departments for the Freshers’ party. This proposal generated debate, with Napasite Honourable Stephen raising concerns about collaboration, particularly regarding logistics and refreshments. The Editor-in-Chief, Tofunmi, further advised that the House should carefully assess its capacity to host the event.

The president clarified that the association could neither fund the Freshers’ party independently nor collaborate with other departments. Honourable Chioma then suggested that a poll be conducted to determine the House’s position on collaboration. Following the vote, the House rejected the collaboration proposal for the Freshers’ party and proceeded to approve a scaled-down budget for the event.

The Welfare Director’s budget focused on catering for freshers, with members suggesting cheaper vendors to reduce overall costs.

AOB

Chief Justice Salako observed that according to Section 18(1)(11) of the Napas constitution, several honourables were not dressed appropriately. He noted that one-third of the honourables were absent, which was unacceptable. Honourable Happiness was fined ₦2,500 and required to write an apology to the House and to the Napasites for missing two sittings without prior notice. Honourable Esther and Honourable Racheal were also instructed to write apologies for their absence. Going forward, the Speaker declared a fine of ₦1,000 for honourables who are absent without providing proper reasons. The motion for adjournment was moved by Honourable Chioma Adekoya at 5:36 PM and was seconded by Honourable Esther. The meeting closed at 5:37 PM with a prayer by Napasite Segun.